So What Can You Expect With An Aussie?
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Australian Shepherds are easy going, perpetual puppies that love to play.
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CHARACTERISTICS
The Australian Shepherd of the miniature size is exactly as its name implies: a small Australian Shepherd with the Aussie’s attentive, energetic temperament, high intelligence, and reserve, but never shyness, towards strangers. But while the height of the Aussie varies from 18 to 23 inches, the height of the mini Aussie ranges from 14 to 18 inches with a corresponding weight of approximately 20 to 40 pounds.
The Miniature Australian Shepherd’s eager attitude means that working with the mini Aussie is a joy, but their intelligence means that obedience training is highly recommended. The ownership of any dog, especially one of an intelligent breed, should not be taken lightly. Because the Aussie was developed both to herd and guard the flock, the mini Aussies are entirely devoted to their family and make excellent watch dogs and companions. As with all breeds, early socialization is of the utmost importance.
The Miniature Australian Shepherd’s eager attitude means that working with the mini Aussie is a joy, but their intelligence means that obedience training is highly recommended. The ownership of any dog, especially one of an intelligent breed, should not be taken lightly. Because the Aussie was developed both to herd and guard the flock, the mini Aussies are entirely devoted to their family and make excellent watch dogs and companions. As with all breeds, early socialization is of the utmost importance.
TEMPERMENT
Aussies are "people" dogs that thrive on human companionship. They have an intense need to be near their owners, following them from room to room when indoors and staying close by their heels when outdoors. Because of this trait, your Aussie will be happiest when kept in the house as a member of your family. Dogs kept in kennels or fenced yards need a significant amount of "people" time daily in order to remain emotionally healthy. Isolation from humans can quickly ruin an Aussies's personality.
Australian Shepherds that have been properly socialized and trained are ideal family dogs. They are gentle guardians of small children and enthusiastic playmates of older children and adults. However, Aussies are typically reserved with strangers and can be quite protective of their family and property. Taking your dog to training classes and introducing him to a wide variety of people and places will help him develop appropriate social behaviors.
Australian Shepherds that have been properly socialized and trained are ideal family dogs. They are gentle guardians of small children and enthusiastic playmates of older children and adults. However, Aussies are typically reserved with strangers and can be quite protective of their family and property. Taking your dog to training classes and introducing him to a wide variety of people and places will help him develop appropriate social behaviors.
CARE
Most Aussies are energetic dogs that require vigorous daily exercise to keep them healthy and happy. Running, playing with another dog, retrieving a ball or Frisbee, swimming or participating in other activities are some ways your dog can get the exercise he needs. If exercise is not provided on a daily basis, your dog may bark or become destructive out of frustration. As a pet owner, your responsibility includes ensuring that your dog has a securely fenced area in which to exercise, or leashing him when exercising in public places. When your Aussie is not being supervised, he should be confined to your home or a fenced area. Your dog should never be allowed to run free or roam as he could be injured or killed. You should never keep a dog tied or chained because of the high risk of injury.
GROOMING
A healthy Australian Shepherd coat sheds dirt and does not require a great deal of maintenance. Weekly brushing down to the skin with a pin brush will eliminate mats and tangles and remove dander and dust. A slicker brush will help remove undercoat during shedding season. Weekly toenail trimming and teeth cleaning should also be a part of your dog's grooming routine.
VETERINARY CARE
A puppy requires parasite control and a series of vaccinations to prevent life-threatening diseases. An adult requires an annual vet check-up, vaccinations, parasite check, heartworm test and heartworm preventative (in many parts of the country - check with your vet). Follow your vet's health care recommendations.
TRAINING AND ACTIVITIES
Basic Obedience training is an essential part of responsible dog ownership. It will make your dog a better companion and will help establish a stronger bond between the two of you. Because your Aussie wants to please you and is eager to learn, training can be a very enjoyable experience. Positive training methods using lots of praise and/or treats will work well for most Aussies. Harsh corrections are seldom necessary for this breed.
Most communities offer dog training classes. Check your local Yellow Pages under "Pet Training" or ask your dog-owning friends for recommendations on where to train. Classes often begin with puppy kindergarten and continue with basic adult obedience. Advanced level training classes are available to people who wish to
prepare their dog for competition at dog shows. Agility and Flyball are popular activities that are well-suited to energetic dogs and their owners.
Most communities offer dog training classes. Check your local Yellow Pages under "Pet Training" or ask your dog-owning friends for recommendations on where to train. Classes often begin with puppy kindergarten and continue with basic adult obedience. Advanced level training classes are available to people who wish to
prepare their dog for competition at dog shows. Agility and Flyball are popular activities that are well-suited to energetic dogs and their owners.
HERDING
Aussies are born with varying amounts of herding instinct
and ability. If you are interested in developing your dog's herding talents, you will need to let him work livestock on a regular basis. If you own sheep or cattle, your Aussie will quickly learn to help with chores and can be a tremendous asset in handling the stock.
A WORD ON BITING: It is very important as a new Aussie owner for you to understand the difference between herding behavior, nipping, and biting. A well bred Aussie will among other things, attempt to herd infants, cats, concrete ducks, the vacuum, lawn mower, kids, and at some point, you. At times they can be a little aggravating about it, if you forget their lineage. Herding behavior may be anything from nuzzling you continually, barking incessantly at the cat in the corner, to outright nipping at your legs or bottom as you walk. THIS IS NOT BITING. Aussie bites are rare in pure bred animals. A true bite from an Aussie is more an extreme nipping. They scrape and bruise a lot with some tissue damage, but nothing near the damage that a Pit Bull or other more traditional defense dog does with their bite. Usually, so-called "Aussie bites" are on the back of the legs, achilles heel, or buttock area, about the size of a quarter, and purple with a few scrapes...very painful. This is actually a herding nip. (Of course laws about dog biting may not recognize this distinction!)
~Australian Shepherd Lovers~
and ability. If you are interested in developing your dog's herding talents, you will need to let him work livestock on a regular basis. If you own sheep or cattle, your Aussie will quickly learn to help with chores and can be a tremendous asset in handling the stock.
A WORD ON BITING: It is very important as a new Aussie owner for you to understand the difference between herding behavior, nipping, and biting. A well bred Aussie will among other things, attempt to herd infants, cats, concrete ducks, the vacuum, lawn mower, kids, and at some point, you. At times they can be a little aggravating about it, if you forget their lineage. Herding behavior may be anything from nuzzling you continually, barking incessantly at the cat in the corner, to outright nipping at your legs or bottom as you walk. THIS IS NOT BITING. Aussie bites are rare in pure bred animals. A true bite from an Aussie is more an extreme nipping. They scrape and bruise a lot with some tissue damage, but nothing near the damage that a Pit Bull or other more traditional defense dog does with their bite. Usually, so-called "Aussie bites" are on the back of the legs, achilles heel, or buttock area, about the size of a quarter, and purple with a few scrapes...very painful. This is actually a herding nip. (Of course laws about dog biting may not recognize this distinction!)
~Australian Shepherd Lovers~
A note from Daniels Mini Aussies: Aussies have been bred to herd. This is an instinct they are born with - just as Beagles hunt rabbits. We breed our Aussies for this behavior since that is what they were meant to do. However, it is up to the owner to set boundaries about herding. There is a time and place to exercise this behavior - but NEVER on people. Please do not discipline for the act of herding, but rather for inappropriate herding. Consider attending a class on herding with your dog. They are natural born herders and it is a wonderful sight to see them doing what they do best in an appropriate setting.
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